Dental veneers are an extremely effective solution for those who are wanting to improve the appearance of their smile. Whether your teeth are discoloured, misshapen or chipped, dental veneers are often the very best option for long-lasting, immaculate results. But what are dental veneers, exactly, and how are they beneficial?
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are thin covers that are often referred to as “shells”. They can either be made from porcelain or composite resin and they are designed to mimic that of natural-looking, pristine teeth. Individual veneers can be fitted or an entire set can be installed depending on your requirements and your budget. The “shells” are bonded to the natural teeth and are used to solve a number of cosmetic dental issues.
Composite vs. porcelain veneers: What is the difference?
Dental veneers are made out of either composite resin or porcelain material. There are some differences between the two, so if you are considering having dental veneers fitted, make sure you understand how they differ and discuss both options with your dentist before committing to one material over another.
Composite resin
Composite resin is made up of small particles of hard filler, meaning it is soft and malleable. This is advantageous for the dentist as it makes moulding and shaping far easier. This usually means that composite resin dental veneers can be fabricated right there at the dental practice as opposed to being made elsewhere, in a laboratory.
Therefore, the installation of composite resin dental veneers can be completed in one visit as opposed to many spread out over two or three weeks. They are also tooth-coloured, making for a realistic and aesthetically-pleasing smile every single time.
Porcelain
As the name would suggest, dental veneers can be made from porcelain. They look very much like natural teeth and are extremely strong and durable, so they are likely to last for many years to come. Porcelain veneers are also stain-resistant, up to a point, making maintenance quick and straightforward.
A patient may have to wait anywhere between two and three weeks to have an entire set fitted as their placement is indirect. While the patient awaits treatment, they will be provided with temporary tooth covers to protect the teeth in the meantime.
What dental issues can veneers fix?
Dental veneers are often considered to be a cosmetic dental treatment. Where this is trust, dental veneers can actually solve a wide range of dental issues. From teeth whitening to closing gaps between the teeth, here are some dental problems that dental veneers can fix:
Stains & discolouration
Professional teeth whitening is a perfect way to restore the teeth back to their natural colour, if not better. But if the discolouration is particularly stubborn to remove then dental veneers will be recommended as an alternative. This is a popular reason why people decide to have a full set of dental veneers because even the darkest of teeth stains can be camouflaged.
Misshapen teeth
Misshapen teeth could mean having pointed teeth, which a patient might find to be unsightly. Also, teeth that are an odd shape might also cause debris to sit between them and go unnoticed, therefore causing decay in the future. It is important that this problem is solved in order to prevent dental issues further down the line. With dental veneers, a dentist will be able to mould the shells to mimic the exact shape and size of adjacent teeth, therefore covering up misshapen teeth.
Diastemas
This refers to gaps that are present between the teeth. This condition will often affect the upper or lower front teeth and is fairly common. They are not actually considered to be a major health concern, but it could cause unwanted movement of the teeth. The patient might also wish to close the gap, transforming their smile. As a cosmetic dental treatment, dental veneers can be used to rectify the issue.
What are the benefits of dental veneers?
There are several different reasons as to why someone would consider having dental veneers. Where your dentist will go through many other options and solutions with you, there are plenty of benefits of having dental veneers fitted. From aesthetics to functionality, here are the advantages of dental veneers:
- They can cover up chips, cracks, gaps and discolouration
- They have a realistic, natural look
- Little enamel removal is needed with dental veneers installation
- It can help to prevent tooth discolouration
- They restore the teeth, ensuring the patient can talk, eat, drink and smile with confidence once again
- They are low maintenance in comparison to other cosmetic solutions, but dental veneers do need to be looked after much like natural teeth
- It is a quick, simple and effective cosmetic dentistry solution
- They are made to last, meaning replacements won’t be needed for decades with the right maintenance and aftercare
- They are a bespoke cosmetic dentistry solution
- They automatically whiten your smile
- Alignment issues can be rectified with dental veneers
- Dental veneers aren’t as invasive as other cosmetic treatments
How to care for dental veneers
Although dental veneers are exceptionally robust, being as strong and stable as natural teeth, it is paramount that they are looked after properly in order to elongate their lifespan and keep them in top condition. Some of the ways in which you will need to care for your dental veneers include:
- Practising daily good oral hygiene
- Preventing or avoiding the grinding of teeth at night
- Not chewing certain things like hard-boiled sweets, toffee, ice, the end of pens or pencils, meat bones (like chicken legs, thighs or wings) and fingernails
- Ensuring your teeth are protected when playing sports such as: hockey, rugby, basketball, football, wrestling and other contact sports
- Avoiding the staining of the teeth by way of refraining from smoking and limiting food and drink like tea, coffee, wine, berries, dark-coloured fizzy drinks and even soy sauce
- Seeing your dentist for check-ups regularly, which usually means one visit every six months.
Quorn Dental Practice and Implant Clinic is pleased to offer dental veneer treatment to customers throughout Loughborough and the surrounding areas. We have a fully-qualified, highly-skilled team of dentists on hand who can always be counted upon to deliver exceptional results and a comfortable, pleasant experience every single time. If you are thinking of having dental veneers, get in touch with Quorn Dental Practice and Implant Clinic today – they are always happy to hear from you.
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